The son of FC Barcelona legend, Johan Cruyff, has given his thoughts on how Koeman has fared as manager this season.
Jordi Cruyff believes Ronald Koeman has done well under difficult circumstances for his first season as Barcelona manager.
The Dutchman emulated the likes of Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique last summer by becoming manager of the club he once played for. It’s been a challenge ever since, especially regarding the club’s debts and the uncertain futures of key figures.
But while Barcelona have already crashed out of the Champions League, things have improved. An 18-match unbeaten run in La Liga has moved the club to within four points of table-toppers Atletico Madrid. A Copa del Rey final against Athletic Club also awaits next month, meaning a domestic double is possible for this season.
Koeman and Laporta had their first real meeting tonight. Laporta expressed his support for the manager and it seems virtually certain that Koeman will stay next season. pic.twitter.com/ikgI8j5Cpm
— total Barça (@totalBarca) March 24, 2021
The new crop of young players, a good relationship with Lionel Messi, and the recent change in tactics have all won Koeman praise.
“Koeman has a lot of merit, not only for football,” former Barcelona midfielder Jordi Cruyff told Cadena Ser.
“He has come to the club at a difficult time with respect to changing players, financial problems, all the institutional problems that were already there.
“I think dynamics are important in football. Let’s say there is a time when you see yourself capable of winning in any game. And have Barcelona recovered that feeling right now? Definitely.
“I believe that, in the end, the work [you put in] has a reward and he has already had it. I think that being a person who already knows the environment of the club also gave him a lot of advantages.”
Koeman and Barcelona return to action next Monday for a La Liga match against Real Valladolid at Camp Nou.
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